Kamon Workshop：BANBA SENKOGYO CO., Ltd.

Located near Kyoto’s office district of Karasuma Oike, BANBA SENKOGYO CO., Ltd.is offering a Kamon Workshop for the dyeing of traditional Japanese emblems called Kamon onto towels, accessory cases, bags and other personal items. Kamon are emblems used mainly during the Heian Period [[[(794-1185)]]] on Kimono and other items to represent names and social status. A unique aspect of this workshop is the ability to dye items with Kamon designs actually used by Sengoku Period generals like Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. All the items that the emblems go on to are dyed black with a dyeing technique called Kyo-kurozome, which originated in Kyoto. Black is one of Japan’s traditional colors, and the Japanese have long depicted the beauty of the color black on mediums such as India-ink paintings and lacquerware. Approximately 5,000 varieties of emblem are available. Of particular interest are our set of flower emblems that represent all 366 birthdays that exist. Try dyeing items with your own birthday flower emblem to mark your item with your birth date in the place of your name. The historical black color that originated in Kyoto can be used to dye items with your own emblem fashioned after the Kamon of historical Japanese figures or to represent your birthday. Weekday visits do not require a reservation, and, if you select your item quickly, you can finish within 10 minutes.

These are the flower emblems representing all 366 birthdays. Choose the flower emblem for your birthday or dye an item with a custom emblem shape. Emblems can be made with 16 different dye colors. Each flower emblem has a meaning in the language of flowers, and only participants that dye their own emblems will receive a special paper with their birthday flower’s meaning. The papers are all in Japanese, but don’t worry. The owner will tell you what they mean in simple English. There are also samples of Kamon from Sengoku generals displayed on the wall. Don’t forget to check them out!

2Highlight

Items

The dyed-black items are located in the dye works in the back of the workshop area. The emblems go onto these items, and they come in forms like coasters, tote bags, T-shirts, etc. New items will be added occasionally, so, depending on the day you visit, you might find something new and unexpected! Kyo-kurozomeis characterized by the variety in its black colors—light black, dark black and even a black that is almost green. Just looking at the items is a delight! Visitors can purchase items without participating in the workshop as well.

3Good Experiences

Emblem Dyeing

Once you’ve chosen an emblem, a dye color and your personal item, it’s time for the workshop to begin. First, the owner or a staff member will give a dyeing demonstration. Watch what their hands do carefully. Emblem pattern paper is placed on the item, and a special tool with dye in it is pulled slowly from back to front, dyeing the cloth. Be sure to keep your hand moving—stopping can cause emblem to blur.

4Good Experiences

Your original bag with your birthday crest

This time, I chose a tote bag and dyed it with a birthday flower motif. If you want to add additional emblems, each additional emblem is ¥500. Why not dye birthday flower emblems for your family members too? It’ll make a great memory. Take your finished item home in a bag with our company’s original character logo, Kansha-kun.

Manner & Tips

- Manner & Tips -

After the workshop, there may be dye left in the special tool used in the dyeing process. Be sure to avoid wasting the dye by returning it to its container.

2.7experience2.0access3.0photogenic3.0

Price

Overseas Tourist-Friendly

Yoko

2.7experience2.0access3.0photogenic3.0

You can choose the one you like from many items and print a "kamon" Japanese emblem on it! It makes for a perfect souvenir. If you can't decide on a kamon, you can choose one that is the same as your birthday.